Town 1 Boston 1

By: Rob Sedgwick
Date: 10/08/2004

ONCE again Town failed to win a game tonight in which they enjoyed the majority of chances and possession. Whereas they conceded a late goal at Darlington, this time the Mariners went 1-0 down early in the game, and fought back to earn themselves their first point of the new season.

Town started with John McDermott coming into the side in place of Ronnie Bull, with Jason Crowe switching to left wing back. Expected new signing Dean Gordon failed to make the squad for the game. Heavy rain throughout the day meant conditions on the Blundell Park surface were slippery.

Town opened brightly, but went 1-0 down against the run of play whilst they were temporarily down to 10 men, after Rob Jones was forced to go off. A long throw-in fell to Melton, who headed the Pilgrims 1-0 up. Greg Young then came on in place of Jones.

Town then continued to dominate the game, although throughout the match Boston threatened, mainly on the break. All three strikers Mansaram, Parkinson and Sestanovich had good chances before the break, but either missed the target or forced good saves from Nathan Abbey, who had an impressive game.

Boston striker Jason Lee then caused the first of two facial injuries to Town defenders. Whittle was forced off the pitch after an elbow from Lee, and had to wait until the blood had stopped flowing before he was allowed back on.

After the break Town dominated the game even more, and it would have been a travesty of justice had they not scored. Pinault and Sestanovich both went close for Town, although Boston too had a couple of chances. Noble grazed the top of the crossbar from a free kick, and Williams made a good save from Carruthers.

Town finally got off the mark when Reddy came on for the last half hour for Darren Mansaram. Within two minutes, the former Sunderland stiker had scored, after he was put through by Sestanovich.

Boston responded by dropping even deeper, and wasting time at every opportunity. Young then had to go off with a bloody nose after another aerial challenge by Lee, who by this stage had been booked. The former Town striker was then substituted before he was in more trouble from the referee.

Reddy then had a great chance to win the game for the Mariners, but once again was denied by Abbey.

In the end Town had to settle for a point. Although Grimsby have looked the better side, and deserved to win both their games so far, the one consolation is that if Town continue to play in the same manner they will score a lot of goals this season, and it looks only a matter of time before Grimsby win their first game.

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